Frankfurt Dax: 3854.07 (+127.38)

German blue chip shares gained ground to end firmer, but off the day's best levels, supported by a firm open on Wall Street and a stronger dollar, traders said. The IBIS DAX, which tracks all-day electronic trading, ended at 3,847.73, having risen more than 3 per cent during the day.

Paris CAC-40: 2787.96 (+48.66)

The Paris Bourse posted a solid gain as the CAC 40 index finished the day at 2787.96 points, up 1.78 per cent by comparison with the Friday close. Operators said the rise in the French prime rate on Friday by a quarter-point to 6.55 per cent, the first increase in two years, was not surprising after the Bank of France increased its tender rate to 3.30 per cent on October 9th.

Milan MIBTEL: 15089 (+325)

Italian shares closed higher, lifted by gains on Wall Street and international bourses. A longawaited agreement between government and unions to cut pension spending helped sentiment but was largely discounted.